Looking at the Sharpedo, full of scars, lying obediently in front of him.
Natsuhiko nodded in satisfaction.
Good, it's finally behaving.
Had to be beaten down to be docile.
However, as for this Sharpedo, Natsuhiko still couldn't completely trust it, at least not for a certain period.
He simply treated Sharpedo's injuries and then stored it away.
"It seems necessary to make a trip to the Poke Center, to heal it and also to check Big Beedrill and the rest's physical conditions."
Although after every battle, when they're injured, Natsuhiko promptly treats the Pokémon's injuries, and after high-intensity training, Natsuhiko applies massages teamed with his specially concocted potions to aid the Pokémon in recovering faster and better.
These are all things he learned and mastered bit by bit after he began studying Breeder knowledge.
The breeder's role is not just making Energy Blocks, but also includes various Pokémon massage techniques, the preparation of special functional potions, like Healing Spray, and a variety of intricate skills.
But these methods alone cannot completely eliminate the internal damage caused by high-intensity training, also known as hidden injuries.
So a comprehensive check and healing at the Poke Center are necessary.
If hidden injuries accumulate excessively, it could cause permanent damage, affecting a Pokémon's innate gifts or even its strength.
This is also why so many wild Pokémon have ceiling limits on their innate talents; they often reach a point where further improvement becomes difficult.
Because of prolonged and multiple wild battles, they more or less sustain some injuries, and even if they recover later, these injuries leave lingering effects, eventually accumulating into shackles, limiting these wild Pokémon's potential.
For example, the Sharpedo Natsuhiko captured this time, though with Qualification Level strength, he has no plans to nurture it further.
Because as it grew, this Sharpedo has accumulated too many hidden injuries inside, which have formed into incurable damage, perhaps not apparent in battle, but greatly affecting its growth potential.
Of course, these damages have a chance to be repaired, but the cost and time required are staggering.
And it's obviously not worth it.
Natsuhiko sat on the beach, watching the sparkling sea surface, listening to the laughter of the Pokémon playing beside him.
The mischievous Togepi, chuckling slyly, poured sand into Shuckle's holes, earning an exasperated eye-roll from Shuckle.
Abra, attempting to maintain composure, couldn't resist the "temptation" of Togepi's laughter, and with a swift use of psychic power, a small sandcastle appeared.
But before it could display a proud smile, Togepi flew in with a slanted kick, accompanied by the call "Chaa—taa!"
"Abra!"
Abra was furious, deciding to "punish" Togepi a bit.
So, it mustered its psychic power, gathering up a mass of sand.
Unfortunately, Big Beedrill also got caught in the crossfire.
The usually stern Big Beedrill couldn't resist joining the sand battle weaponized by the "younger siblings."
...
A gentle sea breeze brushed across the face.
For a moment, Natsuhiko suddenly felt that finding a secluded spot and living such a peaceful life with his Pokémon wasn't a bad choice.
Quite naturally, Natsuhiko lay back on the beach.
Even without sunlight, he felt warm, a warmth stemming from within.
The corners of his mouth involuntarily lifted.
"Let's take a day off today."
...
...
This rare joyful moment lasted for over an hour.
And what interrupted them was the faint sound of fighting.
"Shh—"
Natsuhiko sprang up from the ground, and the playful Pokémon also stopped what they were doing.
As the play sounds ceased, the distant battle sounds became clearer.
It was clear not just because the Pokémon stopped making noise, but also because the fighting sounds were getting closer.
Natsuhiko put away Pidgeotto and the others.
He hid with Big Beedrill, Abra, and Togepi in a hidden rock crevice.
Silently waiting for a few minutes.
Several figures came into view.
A middle-aged man covered in blood, though it was visible that he was originally wearing a white short-sleeve, and in front of him, protecting him, was a similarly scarred Poliwhirl, barely holding on.
Attacking him was a burly man with bulging muscles and a shiny oil-slicked torso, with a black pentagram tattoo visible on his triceps, his face full of ferocity.
Standing in front of the burly man was a massive Crawdaunt adorned with a golden star on its head, red and white all over.
Crawdaunt!
It was precisely because of this Crawdaunt's continuous attacks that Poliwhirl was battered all over.
Meanwhile, the burly man held a shiny silver dagger stained with blood, clearly responsible for the wounds still bleeding on the man in the white short-sleeve.
This was a typical wild brawl, with Pokémon and Trainer attacking together, using every means possible, aiming solely to kill the opponent.
"Lai Le!"
"I've warned you many times not to anger me, thinking just because of your so-called League ties, I wouldn't dare lay a hand on you? You're just a Bounty Hunter!" the bald burly man roared.
Lai Le wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
Revealing blood-stained teeth.
"Pates, I admit I was in the wrong this time. You continue as a pirate, and I assure you I'll never provoke you again, or mess with anyone from your 'Star of Terror.'"
Facing Pates' attack, Bounty Hunter Lai Le clearly gave in.
This was obviously a wise choice.
In the face of a stronger adversary, foolish bravado is not a wise choice.
Admitting defeat appropriately is also a survival skill.
However, with bloodshot eyes, Pates clearly didn't believe anything Lai Le said at this point.
With a sinister smile, he said, "I'll hear none of your nonsense!"
"Wait!" Lai Le's expression suddenly changed.
"Wait! Pates, I do have League people behind me. I serve Mr. Rekity of the Navy Fourth Army stationed in the Orange Islands! If you kill me, Mr. Rekity will know! You know the consequences!"
Pates' actions paused briefly, "Our Captain 'Bloody Henry' often tells us, 'It's all right to kill, just clean up the mess afterward.'"
"Who'd know you died by my hand, Lai Le? Just a Bounty Hunter, would Rekity really trouble himself for you? I'll finish you, then leave the Orange Islands pronto, back to the carefree ship life, would the League even find us?"
The more he spoke, the more arrogant Pates' expression became.
The League's bounty on them wasn't new, but they hadn't been effectively targeted, leaving these pirates wary but not scared of the League.
"Crawdaunt, finish it! Dark Assault on the Vital Point!"
"Then you can forget about having a good time!"
Lai Le grew fierce.
Like a beast, the most terrifying isn't a hungry beast, but a wounded one desperate for a return strike.
At this moment, Lai Le knew Pates wouldn't let him go and only intended to inflict maximum damage on Pates.
Hiding in the rock crevice, Natsuhiko witnessed this scene, gathering some understanding of their matter from the two's conversation.
Secretly watching them, his eyes flickered with thought.
'Bounty Hunter? Pirate? Star of Blood?'
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Double vote month, asking for votes——